A train wash...a first in train land! Push the lever to disperse the imaginary water and then send them through the buffers and dryers. Having written about many accessories over the years, this one certainly wins for being unique. Other interesting accessories in this line: Chuggington Wooden Railway Crossing Fuel Depot ($39.99) Pull either of the two levers and you can watch the "fuel" go down as you refuel your train. There is also a water tank that works the same way. The dial that shows how much fuel you have left makes a clicking sound--but no other lights or sounds here; and Chuggington Wooden Railway Crossing Platform with Vee ($39.99) The crossingplatform features the character Vee and has some lights and sounds when youpush the roof or push through the gates. You can mix this add-on with other sets--often a way to renew interest!

Age: Preschool, Early School Years.
Award Year: 2011.
Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Thomas the Tank Engine Drawbridge (RC2 Learning Curve $30 Score:) Cleverly designed, this totally assembled bridge/tunnel has a lever that lifts the low bridge so tall trains can pass. The Firehouse ($30) has a fire truck that pops out when you ring the bell. Also new are Thomas or Percy Express Packs ($30 each). These sets include a battery-powered train.

Thomas the Tank Engine Wacky Track (RC2 Learning Curve $18 Score:) What an innovative way to get a curved track! Just bend the segmented pieces of track for a curve in the road! Or add two Bumpy Tracks ($18) plus a warning sign that adds a little drama to the action. Also new, an Arched Viaduct ($24.99) with two curved arches, which connect to two pieces of ascending track.

Remote Control Bridge(Brio $50 Score:) The 25" bridge is controlled by an infrared light. It also has lights and warning bells when the bridge goes up. Looked promising but wasn’t ready for testing. Still top rated, last year’s Remote Control Action Train (Brio $50 ), a sleek white train—very European looking, with lights at the front. (888) 274-6869.

Thomas and Friends Load and Sort Recycling Center / Echo Tunnel /Sodor Fire Sta(RC2/Learning Curve $49.99 Score:) Three pieces of cargo slide through the Recycling Center ($49.99 5) and magically drop down the can, paper, or glass chutes and onto a waiting truck. Clever use of technology with a built-in message! Also great fun, Echo Tunnel ($49.99 5). Our tester loved speaking into the tunnel and hearing his own words echo back! There are also a train whistle and rackety track sounds that echo as trains run through the small tunnel that fits into any track set-up. One parent noted: “The ability to record one’s voice is so much fun for this age.” Also wonderful, Sights & Sounds Deluxe Fire Station ($69.99 5). An alarm activates lights and sounds of the fire crew with their fire truck and fire train. Switches above the doorways turn on lights and sounds, and open the double doors. 3 & up. (800) 704-8697.

Brio Double Suspension Bridge (KNEX $25 Score:) This is the longest bridge in the line—three and a half feet long! Can also be used side by side for two-way traffic. Our tester liked the Stop & Go Station ($16.50 ); with a simple push button the train is locked into the station and then released to go. (800) 822-5639.

Toby's Windmill(Learning Curve International $39.95 Score:) New for the Thomas & Friends train buff, a working windmill with a lever that kids push to make the propeller twirl and a top loader that releases barrels of flour from the “mill” onto waiting trains. Comes with barrels and train car carrier for the flour. 3 & up.

Suddery Swing Bridge(Learning Curve International $35.95 Score:) Little engineers are in for action as the Suddery Bridge rotates allowing trains underneath to pass through on their travels North and South!
Comes with two ascending tracks. Ideal for dramatic play as kids build their track system.
3 & up.